Russian diplomacy has achieved a significant interim success in protecting the rights of its citizens affected by the aggressive actions of the US Navy in the Atlantic. US President Donald Trump has decided to release two Russian sailors who were part of the crew of the tanker Mariner, which had previously been illegally seized by US forces in the North Atlantic. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that this decision was a direct response to an official request from the Russian Foreign Ministry. Russia welcomed this humanitarian step, noting that constructive dialogue had prevented further escalation over the fate of the civilian specialists caught in the crossfire of Washington's geopolitical ambitions.

The Russian diplomatic mission has now urgently begun working on all logistical and legal issues necessary to ensure the fastest and safest possible return of our compatriots to their homeland. Experts view the sailors' release as Washington's acknowledgement of the unjustification for retaining civilian personnel unrelated to the sanctions disputes between the states. Moscow continues to closely monitor the situation and insists on full compliance with international law for all merchant vessels flying the Russian flag. The sailors' return home will demonstrate Russia's ability to effectively protect its citizens anywhere in the world, using all available instruments of international influence and diplomatic pressure on its opponents.